Themed parked out

Over the last 5 days we have been to the 4 disney theme parks and yesterday to Universal Orlando and we are definitely ready for a break from queues and crowded spaces. Don't get me wrong it was also great fun but we have hit our saturation point. Our favourite park was definitely Universal with great adult rides and interesting shows. Epcot (Disney) was like visiting Expo with lots of international areas and some feature rides. Here we experienced the G-Force of heading to Space which should definitely be done on an empty stomach, we kept on thinking that both our mothers would have bypassed this one. I found it interesting along with the experience of riding in a car around a test track, loved the speed.
Shammy couldn't pass up the double decker chocolate we found in the UK section and also tasted his first guiness.
The other disney theme parks were family orientated and didn't come anywhere near our universal experience. Shammy and I lucked out with the rides when we visited Magic Kingdom, as we lined up for 70 minutes for a buzz light year ride which was literally sitting in a cart and pointing a toy laser gun at targets, one to bypass! We also were in fits of laughter when we went on an orbital space ride which we realised must have been made for an adult and a child as we were so tightly packed in that the disney attendant told us not to worry about a seatbelt as there was no chance we would come out! We then proceeded to hover lower than any other capsule and bottomed out actually touching the base when they lowered the capsules again.

Universal orlando had some awesome rides and Shammy even managed to get me onto the one that shoots you into the air then drops you back down again, my favourite was the hulk rollercoaster, insane speed and loops but all at a high speed, it was a 60 minute wait but well worth it.

Today we are attending the cardiology conference and putting in an appearance so we can claim conference leave for Shammy. I'm able to write this blog now as I've just been told that as a family member I'm not allowed into any educational sessions, hmmm apparently we don't need to be educated :( . We will probably head back on our roadtrip tomorrow evening and sadly back in the direction of allentown.

Golf course living

I'm sitting this morning in the sunlight looking out over the golf course and the second hole, nothing like checking out everyones golfing style from your house. Shammy and I also got to do our 8 mile run around the course today not a bad view at all. We are being spoilt by Shammy's Auntie and I'm making the most of the authentic southern indian vegetarian food. Yesterday we took a picture of the most difficult hole on the golf course where if you are pro standard you can hit the ball all the way across the crater with the water in it. Apparently Tiger Woods has even come here to get some practice in. The membership to join is $100000 plus a $10000 annual fee a bit out of our league I'm afraid. I thought of my brothers and Dad though and new they would have enjoyed this experience. We will probably head off tomorrow and explore Florida a bit more.

Lecanto, Florida (Shammy's aunt and Uncle's house)

I already like the feel of Florida, it has a relaxed, beachy air to it and reminds me a bit of Australia if you take away the big cars. The drivers down here are mad and love the big utes (or trucks as they call them here). We have finally brought out our summer clothing, its nice not to be wearing layers of clothing for a change. Shammy's uncle and Aunt have an amazing house, with high ceilings, lots of light and a very decadent feel to it. I will try to get some pictures to give you an idea of the feeling. It is situated on a golf course so Shammy and I plan to go for a run this afternoon and hopefully avoid getting hit by a golf ball. We will relax here for the weekend before heading to Orlando and Disney next week.

Florida Roadtrip

Well today we finally crossed the border into Florida, after visiting friends in Washington, then on to Charlotte, North Carolina; Augusta, Georgia last night and tonight we are in Jacksonville, Florida. Its been a great experience seeing the change in food and culture as we move south. The food has become a lot greasier and the southern drawl is in place. I have a new appreciation for living in the North of America where a salad and vegetables are at least more common.
Some highlights to our trip were staying in Augusta yesterday with Marcie (medical resident, friend of Shammy's). She took us to a local cafe where I managed to get a decent salad and we tried fried green tomato for the first time (really nice). They also had huge desserts which I had to get a photo of, we shared one slice of hummingbird cake between all of us we didn't want to ask whether the locals have a piece for themselves. A photo will follow to show the size of the cake slices.
In the evening we had a vegetable barbecue and I tried smores for the first time (so yummy!!!!!). We then visited Savannah, Georgia today which has beautiful colonial style housing and green foilage everywhere. A very authentic, traditional street facade with lots of lattice work and a relaxed feel. We were going to try out some traditional Southern fair at a well known restaurant until we were warned what this meant. The standard meal is 3 meat dishes plus 11 side dishes, hmm not so keen now but Shameer still wanted to take a look and when we arrived there was a line up of about 50 people outside waiting to get in, that finalised the decision for us.
We have kept the driving to a reasonable level each day and it has been a good way to get a feel for the country and to give our Mazda a work out.

Florida roadtrip

I have been working for 3 weeks now and would you believe it we are off for a 3 week vacation, Yey!
You will be happy to know that after the initial dilemna of getting my learner's permit, I passed the practical driving test this week so they have let me loose on the American roads. The test went well with no marks against my sheet, thanks to some reversal parallel parking practice with a surprisingly patient Shammy. I think its the most nervous I have been for a long time and I tried to make a joke with my test instructor about it but she must have missed my joke as she did not speak the whole time besides to say left, right etc. Luckily we had the seat right back on the passenger side as she barely squeezed in and the car sunk a few inches when she did. I'm not complaining though as I was so happy that all went smoothly and I aced the reversal parallel park.
Work is going great, Gloria and Pauline my co-workers are really sweet and are educating me on all the american experiences and food. In turn I am passing on my Australian terminology and have been catching them using some of my terms even if they do giggle while they are doing it.
They are both more excited about my trip to Disney than I am and have been giving me heaps of tips on what to do.
So tomorrow we head off on a three week roadtrip to Florida, visiting friends along the way and meeting Shammy's Uncle in Tampa, before heading to Disney in Orlando and then attending a cardiology conference before heading home.
Luckily we have a GPS so that will reduce some of the navigational arguments and we are both looking forward to giving our Mazda a work out.

Domestic bliss no longer

Well getting back into work again this week was a bit of a wake up call. It's definitely made my life a hell of a lot busier and I'm trying to work out a more rational schedule at the gym and home so that I actually have some energy left at the end of the day, only so much you can squeeze in :)

I'm gradually adjusting to the US pharmacy system and I have a steep learning curve when it comes to their brand names, health insurance and an antiquated DOS computer system. The owners have been great, so friendly and very flexible and have already increased my working hours daily and to include Saturday morning. I feel at home there already and I get plenty of compounding practise, a large part of their business. I made capsules for the first time this week along with suppositories, creams, ointments and external cream syringes.

We also got in some baby sitting this week for friend's of ours while they spent some time in NICU with their 29 week premi baby who seems to be doing well. We didn't mind the babysitting at all, Shiva was already in bed and we had access to TiVo, a comfy leather couch and wine and snacks if we wanted them. Now thats my kind of baby sitting!

Things are looking up with some extra money, even if small it all counts, some mental stimulation (so I don't jump on Shammy when he gets home) and Shammy has his interview for the cardiology fellowship this Friday. We are both keeping up the running but have had to move indoors again as snow is forecast for tonight for the 2 days with a 9 inch accumulation and lets hope thats the last of it for this winter.

Catch ya again soon
Sammy x o

Things are looking up

Yesterday I finally managed to get the paperwork together for the learner's permit in PA. It did involve another trip to Shammy's hospital to get an original document printed out from his employers rather than a scanned copy. So all up the process took 3 and a half hours of which it took me 10 minutes to complete the written test, although this time I was unperturbed ready for anything. So I'm away, and have already booked my practical exam for March. Eek, can't believe I'm taking another one of those, it was one thing I was grateful never to have to do again.

I was smiling big time yesterday as I have finally sorted out a PAID internship over here at a nice family run pharmacy. The money is not great, which is standard as a student again, but it will be good to have some extra latte money, [I can see Shammy frowning already reading this sentence :) ], and more importantly start to clock in some hours and some time out of the house. It will keep me out of mischief for the moment!

With the half marathon we are training for, the runs are starting to get longer with a 4, 6 and 8 miles this week, I'm trying not to think what they will have us running by the end. It is rewarding though seeing your fitness and times improve and we are also starting to think about organising our holiday to Florida in March.

I also found out today that when my visa expires in June I have to actually travel outside of the country to get a new one. So for the moment staying in US is fine, but if I want to travel anywhere else I'll also have to book an appointment at a US embassy so I can get back into the country again. That sounds like more fun and games to me, bring it on :)